Pre-Optometry

Pre-Professional

If you want to make a difference in the lives of others, you won’t find a better opportunity than through optometry. As an optometrist, you will focus on the structure, function and disorders of the eye, helping people regain and retain their sight.  

Most optometrists work in general practice, but you will also have the opportunity to specialize in an area such as  

  • contact lenses,  
  • geriatrics,  
  • low vision services,  
  • occupational vision,  
  • pediatrics,  
  • sports vision or  
  • vision therapy. 

You might also choose to become an ophthalmologist, a licensed medical doctor that practices medicine and performs surgeries, or an optician, making eyeglasses, contacts and lenses and helping fit them to patients. 

Pre-Optometry Courses

57 credit hours
98% career outcome rate1
15:1 Student-to-faculty ratio
 

Help patients see better and improve their quality of life! 

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Program Highlights

WHY STUDY PRE-OPTOMETRY AT CONCORDIA? 

As part of the pre-optometry program at Concordia University, Nebraska, you will take courses in anatomy, chemistry and physiology, as well as health and wellness classes that will help prepare you to continue your education to become an optometrist. 

At Concordia, you have the opportunity to work with local hospitals, clinics and optometry offices in hands-on internships and volunteer experiences. Our state-of-the-art science facilities allow you the workspace you need to become proficient in laboratory procedures and scientific principles, so you can be prepared to earn your graduate degree and ultimately find a career in optometry. 

Accreditation

Concordia University, Nebraska is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. 

Degree Goals

A pre-optometry program graduate from Concordia University, Nebraska will be able to:  

  • Perform routine laboratory procedures accurately. 
  • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. 
  • Problem-solve, troubleshoot and interpret scientific results and use statistical approaches when evaluating data. 
  • Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, utilizing appropriate quality control and safety procedures. 

Career Outcomes

Optometrist 

  • Examine eyes for vision and health problems 
  • Prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, provide patients with vision therapy and help treat eye problems and certain eye diseases 

Ophthalmologist 

  • Specialize in eye and vision care 
  • Perform eye exams, treat eye diseases, prescribe medications and perform eye surgery 

Optician 

  • Fit and sell eyeglasses or contact lenses  
  • Work with an optometrist or ophthalmologist as part of a patient’s eye care team 

FAQs

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1 Recent graduates attending graduate school or employed within six months of graduation.